This tuning, which we've named Open Dmaj7, transforms your guitar into a resonant soundscape based around the D major seventh chord. It's a fantastic choice for players looking to explore lush, open harmonies, create atmospheric textures, or engage in expressive slide guitar playing.

Technical Analysis

• The open strings are tuned to D-A-D-A-C#-D, forming a complete D major seventh arpeggio. This means that simply strumming all six open strings yields a full Dmaj7 chord, rich in overtones.
• The low D (6th string) and the A (5th string) provide a solid root-fifth foundation, while the doubled D and A on the 4th and 3rd strings enhance the fullness and sustain.
• The inclusion of C# (major 7th) on the 2nd string is the defining characteristic, lending a bright, sophisticated quality to the open chord.
• The high D (1st string) doubles the root at a higher octave, completing the chord and adding sparkle.

Chords and Playability

Due to its open Dmaj7 structure, this tuning offers immediate access to a variety of sounds:

• Open Dmaj7: Strumming all open strings provides a beautiful, full Dmaj7 chord.
• Barre Chords: By barring all strings at a given fret, you can easily transpose the Dmaj7 chord to other major seventh chords (e.g., barring at the 2nd fret produces Emaj7, at the 3rd fret Fmaj7, and at the 5th fret Gmaj7).
• Power Chords: The D-A-D-A pattern on the lower strings (6th through 3rd) makes it easy to form powerful root-fifth chords by fretting these strings with two fingers or a partial barre. For example, a single finger across the 6th, 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings at the 3rd fret will give you a G5 power chord.
• Slide Guitar: This tuning is highly amenable to slide playing. The open, consonant nature of the Dmaj7 chord allows for fluid melodic and harmonic movement up and down the neck with a slide, creating shimmering, ethereal soundscapes.
• Minor Chords: While the tuning is major-seventh oriented, minor chords can be achieved with specific fingerings. For example, to achieve a Dm7 chord, you would need to fret the C# on the 2nd string down to a C natural.

This Open Dmaj7 tuning encourages exploration beyond standard chord shapes, inviting players to experiment with drones, open string harmonies, and unique melodic lines.

Tuning Notes (Low to High):

• 6th String: D2
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: A3
• 2nd String: C#5
• 1st String: D4

How to Tune:

To achieve this Open Dmaj7 tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E to D2): Tune down 2 semitones. This brings your low E string to D2.
• 5th String (A to A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your A string remains A2.
• 4th String (D to D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your D string remains D3.
• 3rd String (G to A3): Tune up 2 semitones. This brings your G string up to A3. Take care when tuning up.
• 2nd String (B to C#5): Tune up 2 semitones. This brings your B string up to C#5. Take care when tuning up.
• 1st String (High E to D4): Tune down 2 semitones. This brings your high E string to D4.

All string movements are within the range where a string gauge change is not typically necessary, but always exercise caution when tuning strings up, especially if your guitar is not accustomed to higher tension.